Yahoo Message Number: 109325 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/109325)
Hi Folks,
Over the years, there has never been a more frustrating seemingly impossible-to-solve recurring problem than the Kwikee step malfunction. After investing dozens and dozens of hours on my back measuring, diagonallying, fretting, stewing, drilling out pop rivets and removing steps (all of the slides worked like new when the steps were removed) and then replacing them to see what I might be missing........and trying (I think) every possible lube product available, nothing seemed to work for more than a few weeks.
Finally about 5 years ago I stumbled onto a simple lube concoction that works flawlessly for about 2 years at a time. Here is what I did:
First, because the big square piece of sheet metal that encloses the underside of the step mechanism seems to cause more dirt and grit to collect in the slides when it's in place than when it's removed, I just leave it off.
Okay......the first thing to do is, of course, pull the plug on the motor feed and disconnect the geared arm from the steps. Then clean the slides and ball bearings of whatever grit and lube that may be impeding their function. I use diesel fuel in a spray bottle. Spray lots of it right in the bearing races. Enough to flush the junk away, and then blow it out with compressed air. Repeat this process as many times as it takes to thoroughly cleanse everything. To determine when it's clean, run the steps in and out and continue to repeat the cleaning until the gritty sound is gone.
OK, now because the friction that disables the step operation on mine is actually on the sides of the slides, I smear a moderate coat of grease on the side of the slide where it may be contacting the stationary portion of the slide. You may be able to see scrub marks that will testify to that problem with the steps extended. The lower step, which has the furthest travel, is probably more apt to be the culprit.
Now the magic! Silicone spray lube which, apparently mixes in with the grease as the steps travel in and out. Lots of it. Everywhere. In the bearing races, on the sides where the grease is.......everywhere you can think of! I've actually used silicone grease and it doesn't work as well as the automotive lithium grease and silicone spray combo.
"‹So, for what it's worth"‹, give this a try if you're at your wits end like I was. Formerly my steps would come out about 2". Once I was out of the coach, I would assist with pulling and pushing the darned things but it's very undignified and aggravating to have to do that every time. Now they work perfectly every time.
"‹Hope this helps y'all.
Dave Trotter
01 Intrigue 11215"‹
(http://cid:ii_15908dd04c1b2bb9)